Focused echocardiography in cardio-oncology

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is crucial for detecting cardiotoxicity in cancer patients.
• Limited resources in cardio-oncology restrict access to standard TTE for many patients.
• A need exists for efficient cardiac monitoring in oncology care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Focused Echo in Cardio-Oncology (FECO) as a practical tool for monitoring cancer patients.
• To outline FECO protocols for specific cardiotoxicity risks associated with cancer therapies.
• To enhance early detection and management of cardiovascular complications in cancer survivors.

Main Methods:

• FECO is proposed as a follow-up to standard TTE.
• Four FECO protocols are detailed: FECOm (myocardial dysfunction), FECOv (valvular disease), FECOpd (pericardial disease), and FECOph (pulmonary hypertension).
• Protocols are designed to assess pre-existing conditions, monitor therapy effects, and evaluate cardiac biomarkers.

Main Results:

• FECO aims to identify potential cardiotoxicity related to specific cancer treatments.
• It facilitates sequential assessment of cardiac status and the impact of cardio-protective interventions.
• FECO assists in diagnosing cardiac causes of patient symptoms and monitoring asymptomatic changes.

Conclusions:

• FECO provides an accurate, reliable, and effective method for early identification of cardiovascular complications in cancer patients.
• This approach can improve patient quality of life and is cost-effective.
• FECO protocols support timely intervention and management of cardiotoxicity throughout cancer treatment and survivorship.